unwillingly

Unwillingly is an adverb that describes an action performed without willingness, often because of reluctance, resistance, or external pressure. It indicates that the subject’s consent or enthusiasm is not present, and that the action is undertaken despite misgivings or coercion.

In everyday use, the adverb signals that the subject did something not of their own free will. It is often paired with verbs such as sign, comply, disclose, or accept, to convey that the action occurred despite a lack of enthusiasm or explicit consent. It is commonly contrasted with willingly and with voluntarily, and in some contexts it can carry a stronger sense of compulsion or resistance than more neutral terms.

Etymology and grammar: unwil ling is formed from the adjective unwilling (not willing) plus the adverbial suffix -ly. As an adverb, it typically modifies the main verb and its placement in a sentence is flexible, though it commonly appears directly after the verb or at the end of the clause it describes. Related forms include the noun unwillingness and the opposite adjective willing. Involuntarily is a related term that emphasizes lack of control rather than lack of willingness, and thus carries a different nuance.

Examples: He unwillingly signed the contract after days of pressure. The committee unwillingly approved the proposal, citing external constraints.

See also: unwilling, unwillingness, reluctantly, involuntarily.